Google Pledges 25 Million Euros to Boost AI Skills in Europe

Google has pledged 25 million euros ($26.98 million) to help people in Europe learn to use Artificial Intelligence (AI). This initiative aims to address existing inequalities, particularly in terms of economic security and employment, exacerbated by the benefits of AI. Adrian Brown, executive director of the Centre for Public Impact, emphasised the importance of this program in developing knowledge, skills, and confidence around AI to ensure inclusivity across Europe.

Also Read: Google Cloud Launches New Generative AI Tools for Retailers

Equipping Workers for the Future

About 10 million euros of the funding will be dedicated to equipping workers with the necessary skills to adapt to the changing work landscape brought about by AI and automation. This mirrors similar efforts by the Italian government in 2023, highlighting a growing recognition of the importance of digital skills development in safeguarding employment opportunities. 

The investment in upskilling workers underscores its commitment to supporting individuals in navigating the evolving job market, ensuring they are included in the face of technological advancements. 

Adrian Brown, the executive director of the Centre for Public Impact, in collaboration with Google, stated: “Research shows that the benefits of AI could exacerbate existing inequalities — especially in terms of economic security and employment”. “This new program will help people across Europe develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence around AI, ensuring that no one is left behind”.

See Also: Fully Remote Jobs at Google You Can Apply for In 2024

Building on Past Successes

This initiative builds upon the success of the “Grow with Google” program launched in 2015, which provided free training to over 12 million people to address the digital skills gap in the EU. The company’s commitment to investing in Europe’s digital future is further demonstrated by its recent announcement of a $1 billion investment in a data centre near London to meet the increasing demand for internet services in the region. By building on past successes and leveraging its resources, the company aims to create a more digitally literate and skilled workforce capable of thriving in the digital age.

Addressing Challenges and Controversies

The investment in AI education comes amid challenges and controversies within the AI landscape, including instances of falsified information and stringent regulatory frameworks in Europe. The launch of Gemini AI, Google’s most powerful AI model to date, underscores the company’s commitment to innovation, albeit with a focus on trust and safety. 

⚠️ GOOGLE PLEDGES 25 MILLION EUROS TO BOOST AI SKILLS IN EUROPE (Reuters)

Google has pledged 25 million euros ($26.98 million) to help people in Europe learn to use artificial intelligence (AI).

Announcing the funding on Monday, the tech giant said it had opened applications… pic.twitter.com/23Kcl0CxG9

— PiQ (@PiQSuite) February 12, 2024

By investing in AI skills development, Google seeks to address these challenges proactively, ensuring that individuals and organisations are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to responsibly navigate the complexities of the AI landscape.

Related: Global Rollout of Gemini Pro in Google Bard Chatbot and a New Feature Introduced

Empowering Individuals and Organisations

Through partnerships with organisations like the Centre for Public Impact, Google aims to reach a wider audience for AI training, recognising the transformative potential of AI while acknowledging its potential to widen inequality gaps. By expanding language options and enhancing resources for its AI foundational course and Career Certificates program, Google seeks to empower professionals to apply AI in various workplace scenarios. 

Moreover, Google’s collaboration with social enterprises and non-profits highlights its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds have access to AI education and opportunities for advancement.

Navigating the Future of AI

Google’s investment in AI skills development in Europe represents a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and empowering individuals and organisations to harness the potential of AI responsibly. However, regulatory frameworks must change as technological advancements continue. This is one sure way to ensure that initiatives like this will contribute greatly to shaping a future where AI benefits everyone. 

@mosheh

Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai said in 60 Minutes interview that the push to adopt artificial intelligence technology must be well regulated to avoid potential harmful effects. He warned against a race between the companies that could have a disastrous effect. Asked in a 60 Minutes interview about what keeps him up at night with regard to AI, Pichai said “the urgency to work and deploy it in a beneficial way, but at the same time it can be very harmful if deployed wrongly.” #artificialintelligence #ai #google

♬ original sound – Mosheh Oinounou

By investing in education, training, and partnerships, Google is laying the foundation for a more equitable and sustainable future in which AI is a tool for positive change.

You Might Also Like: Google Releases AI Multisearch Feature in U.S.